Faults:

Common oil leaks over the years due to the heat from the M119 V8 block.

The 4-speed automatic transmission can become harsh, delay shifts, or slip if the hydraulic fluid and filters have not been changed on time.

Play in the steering box that reduces precision at high speeds.

The cable sections in the engine compartment crack, causing short circuits or erratic failures.

General Comments:

While its size and weight mean it isn't a sports car, in terms of performance, it certainly seems like one. It boasts a high top speed and excellent acceleration, and it is incredibly easy to drive.

The pleasure of driving lies fundamentally in the ability to control the car, understood as the operation of the controls and the vehicle's response to those actions. To begin with, this requires adequate visibility, an impeccable driving position, comfortable yet smooth and precise access to the primary controls (steering wheel, pedals, and gearshift), and a seat that offers good lateral support.

The car is a monument to high-performance automotive technology that does not sacrifice comfort.

Standard features include: ABS anti-lock brakes; ASR and MSR traction control (during acceleration and engine braking); hydropneumatic rear suspension with self-leveling; power steering; forged alloy wheels; H-4 headlights with long-range and ellipsoidal fog lights; headlight washers; interior headlight height adjustment; manual and electric door mirrors; fluid level and lighting check-control system; air conditioning; Becker Mexico 2000 radio-cassette player with four speakers and an automatic antenna; central locking for doors, trunk, and fuel filler cap; four electric windows; fully power-adjustable front seats; leather steering wheel; height-adjustable seatbelts; cruise control; outside temperature display; three reading lights; tachometer; water temperature gauge; oil pressure gauge; analog clock; and instrument cluster dimmer. For a 1992 model, all of this is phenomenal, even for a Mercedes!.

The anti-roll bars are not excessively thick for the car's weight, nor are the springs overly stiff; however, because the bars are anchored using very hard rubber bushings, they react to the slightest steering input. Overall result is a car that is genuinely comfortable, responds instantly to the steering, and exhibits very little body roll in corners. Combined with traction control systems, which prevent wheel slip during both acceleration and deceleration (effectively performing an automatic heel-and-toe maneuver during downshifts), the car handles corners with astonishing ease, provided the radius is not so tight as to conflict with the geometric constraints imposed by its size.

It has tremendous recovery power in fourth gear, yet its cruising ability is more than adequate, even for those most demanding regarding straight-line performance. In corners, the steering is remarkably quick, requiring little more than three turns of a steering wheel that is, at long last, of a reasonable size; as for the brakes, they are sufficient unless one insists on driving flat-out and recklessly in mountainous terrain, where the vehicle's weight and acceleration capabilities present them with a truly daunting task.

The only downside (aside from the fuel consumption, which is extremely high) is that the automatic transmission has only four speeds; this causes the car to lose some responsiveness, even though the acceleration itself is excellent. The engine is typical of an old Mercedes: bulletproof. It’s expensive to maintain, but it won’t give you any trouble.

It’s a great car, superior to anything on the market today, which is exactly why I still own it.

Faults:

PDC can play up at times.

I cannot seem to get the gear lever into the lower gears (1,2,3).

Suspension problem that can make the car unstable at high speeds when the road surface deteriorates. Will get this checked out by my dealer.

AC only blows hot or cold, started last week.

Cruise control has a mind of its own.

Electrics in general are a bit unreliable.

General Comments:

This is my first Mercedes having previously only had BMWs, and well it's different. I needed a large car in order to get all my stuff down to France where I now work, and this car fit the bill.

Handling/Performance:

The closest thing I can compare the handling of this car to is a Chevy. BMWs are a lot harder and really stick to the road surface. In the Benz you float, which is nice for long journeys, but does not inspire spirited driving. I bought this car as an Autobahn cruiser and it performs according to my expectations. It takes you quickly from point A to B in comfort.

Performance wise it's not bad. I have the 3.2L V6 engine, which develops around 220-230 hp. This may sound like a lot, but coupled with the automatic gearbox and the weight of the car, makes for average acceleration. The BMW 525 with a manual gearbox actually feels faster. However, this car was not designed as a racer and unlike the BMW you can comfortably cruise at 170-180 kph without too many revs. It's quite a thirsty engine. so avoid taking it around town or in traffic jams.

Comfort:

You buy a BMW for fun, freude am fahren. You buy a Benz for comfort. This really is a comfortable car and the drivers seat is a wonderful place to be. I sometimes drive for 7-8 hours straight without breaks, and feel just as fresh as when I departed. If I spend the same amount of time in some other cars I own, I can barely walk.

My car has the Avantgarde package, which includes leather seats, GPS etc etc. If you want to travel in the upmost comfort, then I can recommend this car to you.

Quality:

The old W124 (the previous E class) was built like a tank and Mercedes felt that these cars were over engineered. So on this model they, unfortunately, cut back on quality. My car has been good will repainted at Mercedes due to rust issues. The car does feel solid, but cannot be compared to the older models.

In my car the electrics have a bit of mind of their own;

My cruise control doesn't always engage, and when it does, will cancel itself when it feels like it.

My seat head rest won't always adjust. The PDC will not always work properly.

My AC suddenly (last week) decided it will either freeze or roast me to death. There seems to be no in between to hot or cold.

I also have some kind of suspension issue at the moment, I will update this review when I have it checked out.

Conclusion:

I love this car. It looks great and it has huge amounts of space. It's extremely comfortable and relatively fast. If you need a car that can transport you, 4 others and a lot of luggage quickly, comfortably and safely, then this car is for you. I recommend it, but make sure you get one that has been well taken care of, and watch out for quality issues.

Pros: Looks good, comfortable and safe. Has huge amounts of luggage space. Pretty fast for its weight, and will cruise at 160+ with no complaints.

Cons: Some serious quality issues, the main culprit being rust. Due to its weight, the suspension really suffers and parts wear fast. Rather thirsty, expect about 12 l per 100km.